Hi, Megan.Lift up on the film rewind knob...on the left top side of the camera (held as if you were looking at the film door, lens pointing away from you). It will lift up half an inch or so, and then the back door should pop open slightly.Jon

: I am an amateur. We're talking days here. I went to the Houston Camera Exchange and bought a beautiful Canon Ae-1 Program. However I can't find the button or release to open the door to put in film. Wow I feel dumb. Anyways it didn't come with a manual and I just ordered one today. So if anyone could. HELP.. lol